The Principal Secretary, State Department for Sports Elijah Mwangi has called on sports journalists to play a more central role in the growth of Kenyan sport, describing the media as a critical partner in the sports ecosystem.
The PS said the Government is seeking to reposition sports not merely as recreation and entertainment, but as a strategic sector for talent development, employment, national pride, social development and economic growth.
Mwangi said journalists play a vital role in reshaping the perception of sports as an important economic and social sector.
He urged journalists to tell the human stories behind sports, including those of young athletes in our communities and in the villages, coaches working with limited resources, and federations developing talent quietly.
“Behind every medal is a story of sacrifice. Behind every record is years of training. Because sometimes one powerful story can achieve what many policy documents cannot and it can move the nation to act,” said the PS in his speech read on his behalf by Director of Sports Douglas Ratemo during the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK)’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on August 14, held in Nairobi.
He divulged that the Ministry seeks a stronger partnership with the sports media based on mutual respect, professional independence, openness and a shared commitment to Kenyan sports.
“Kenya has enormous sporting potential. We have athletes who can compete with the best in the world. But talent alone is not enough. We need effective governance, proper investment, quality coaching, strong federations, appropriate facilities, athlete welfare, sports science and a vibrant and responsible sports media that tells the Kenyan sporting story to the world,” he said.
The PS conveyed appreciation for the role sports journalists continue to play in the development and promotion of sport in Kenya, noting that the AGM comes at a time when the Government is seeking to reposition sport beyond recreation and entertainment.
“This AGM comes at an important time when the Government is seeking to reposition sport not merely as recreation and entertainment, but as a strategic sector for talent development, employment social development and economic growth,” he said.
The PS divulged that athletes create moments, but it is the media that gives those moments a voice and a lasting memory noting that the media connects that content to millions of people across the country and around the world.
“Imagine the Olympic Games without journalists, cameras, broadcasters, commentators, newspapers, radio, television and digital platforms. The athletes would still compete. The races would still be run. Goals would still be scored. Medals would still be won. But how many people would know about those achievements?” he said
He challenged SJAK members to go beyond reporting winners and losers and to interrogate deeper issues affecting Kenyan sport adding that such stories can help Kenya improve by bringing issues to the national conversation and influencing policy, investment and decision-making.
SJAK President James Waindi, who presided over the AGM said the association will continue working closely with the Government and other stakeholders to strengthen sports journalism, enhance professionalism, training and welfare for sports journalists.
Waindi said the partnership with the Government remains critical in creating an enabling environment where sports journalists can access professional training, build their skills and operate under better working conditions.
He noted that SJAK’s partnerships with institutions such as the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), The National Olympic Committee (NOCK) among others demonstrate the importance of institutional cooperation in improving the quality of sports reporting.
“We want to build a sports journalism fraternity that is professional, well-informed and able to tell the Kenyan sports story with accuracy and credibility. This can only be achieved through strong partnerships and a deliberate investment in the welfare and professional growth of journalists,” Waindi said.
On her part, ADAK Ag. Chief Executive Officer Peninah Wahome said the media plays an important role as a watchdog for clean sport by investigating suspicious activities and reporting doping concerns.
“Journalists can ask difficult questions about athletes, coaches, training camps and performance changes.Through responsible reporting, the media can help protect athletes and promote integrity in athletics” Wahome said in a speech read on her behalf by acting Director of Standards & Compliance Dr. Martin Yauma.
By Anita Omwenga
